Massachusetts does not have a state-sponsored debt relief program. However, there are accredited organizations and programs available to help residents tackle their debt.
Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.
Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.
Debt collectors cannot harass or abuse you. They cannot swear, threaten to illegally harm you or your property, threaten you with illegal actions, or falsely threaten you with actions they do not intend to take. They also cannot make repeated calls over a short period to annoy or harass you.
Specifically, the rule states that a debt collector cannot: Make more than seven calls within a seven-day period to a consumer regarding a specific debt. Call a consumer within seven days after having a telephone conversation about that debt.
The phrase in question is: “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately.” These 11 words, when used correctly, can provide significant protection against aggressive debt collection practices.
In most states, the statute of limitations for collecting on credit card debt is between three and 10 years, but a few states allow for longer periods, extending up to 15 years.
If I get served with a complaint, what do I do? Read the summons and the complaint or petition. It is important to read both the summons (or citation) and the complaint (or petition) very carefully. Write and file an answer. Serve the other party with a copy of the answer.
Your answer should include the court name, case name, case number, and your affirmative defenses. Print three copies of your answer. File one with the clerk's office and mail (or “serve”) one to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney.
For a voicemail message to be a “limited-content message,” it must include the following information: A business name that does not indicate that the caller is a debt collector. Telephone number(s) you can use to reply to the caller. A request that you reply and the names of the people who you can contact to reply.